A hotel in Charlottesville, Virginia, has been rated one of the best in the world by a leading travel magazine.

Kesick Hall at Monticello has been chosen as one of the "absolute best" places to stay in the world by Forbes Traveler magazine, on the basis of the opinions of independent travel writers.

Although it is rated alongside iconic modern hotels such as the Grand Hyatt in Shanghai and the Burj Al-Arab in Dubai, Keswick Hall creates more of a sense of history, according to Forbes Traveler.

The magazine said that the lodge, which was built in 1912, "brings the same sophistication that Thomas Jefferson created at his home (albeit with all the expected modern luxuries)".

Forbes Traveler added: "[It is] just the sort of place to which Scarlett and Rhett [the lovers from Gone with the Wind] might steal away."

Virginia and its hotels have long enjoyed a reputation as a romantic getaway for lovers and couples on honeymoons. Recently the state tourist board celebrated the 40th anniversary of its slogan, "Virginia is for lovers".